Carabiner locking systems

The various systems meet different needs for each application, for a precise balance between ergonomics and safety.

SCREW-LOCK (SL)

Classic manual system, versatile and universal

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• The sleeve locks manually, only when desired by the user

• Can be operated with one hand

Disadvantages:

• The time it takes to lock the sleeve

Safety

Advantages:

• Reliability in dirty or harsh environments

• Red visual indicator, when unlocked, to facilitate monitoring

• The user actively operates the sleeve when locking, so he is immediately alerted in case of bad locking

Risks:

• Vibrations can unlock the sleeve

• Rubbing can unlock the sleeve

• Risk of forgetting to lock the sleeve

TWIST-LOCK (RL)

Auto-locking and double action opening system

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Speed and ease of opening

• Rapid auto-locking

Disadvantages:

• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened

• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner

Safety

Advantages:

• Rapid auto-locking

Risks:

• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system

• Sensitivity to rubbing by rope or equipment: the sleeve can accidentally unlock and the gate come open in the same motion

WIRE-LOCK (WL)

Auto-locking and double action opening system

System designed specifically for the end of a lanyard

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Speed and ease of opening almost as easy as a non-locking carabiner

• Rapid auto-locking: system suited to very frequent connection and disconnection

Safety

Advantages:

• Rapid auto-locking

Risks:

• Less locking security than with other systems, yet offers more security than a non-locking carabiner

• Very sensitive to external pressure: the sleeve unlocks and the gate opens in the same motion

TRIACT-LOCK (TL)

Auto-locking and triple action opening system

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Rapid auto-locking.

Disadvantages:

• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened

• Tricky sleeve operation, requires practice

• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner

Safety

• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system

• Sensitivity to mud or other foreign objects that can impede auto-locking

BALL-LOCK (BL)

Auto-locking and triple action opening system

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Rapid auto-locking

• Visual locking indicator

Disadvantages:

• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened

• Tricky sleeve operation, especially with gloves, requires practice. System is less "ambidextrous" than the others

• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner

Safety

• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system

PIN-LOCK (PL)

Auto-locking and triple action opening system with tool

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Long duration installation without manipulation

• Helps limit incorrect operation during use

• Helps prevent the user from becoming disconnected during use

Disadvantages:

• Complicated to disconnect in the field, for example in case of emergency

Safety

Advantages:

• Triple action locking gives great security, with a tool required for the first action

Risks:

• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system

EASHOOK / MGO system

Auto-locking and double action opening system

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Speed and ease of opening

• Rapid auto-locking

• Good separation of the two actions required to open the gate

Disadvantages:

• Limited compatibility with anchors and equipment

• Carabiner rotation in equipment is impossible

Safety

Advantages:

• Good separation of the two actions required to open the gate

• Directional carabiner that helps promote major axis loading

• Rapid auto-locking

Risks:

• External pressure from the structure or equipment can unlock and open the gate

• The large size can increase the risk of cantilever loading depending on the supporting media

Semi permanent connectors (RING OPEN, quick links...)

Manual closing system with a tool needed for locking

Ergonomics

Advantages:

• Long duration installation without manipulation

• Helps limit incorrect operation during use

• Helps prevent the user from becoming disconnected during use

Disadvantages:

• Complicated to disconnect in the field, for example in case of emergency

• Tool required for assembly and disassembly

Safety

Advantages:

• Very secure locking if the initial tightening is done correctly

Risks:

• The initial locking must done correctly and carefully checked before use

• The large size can increase the risk of cantilever loading depending on the supporting media